[crowd yells]
Thank you, Decimus. Your kind invitation.
You're gladiators.
I honor you.
Honor is ours, good Bartiotus.
I remember that once you fought upon these very sands.
A life time ago.
...taught me well.
A legend and a friend his instruction not soon forgotten.
A great lanista and a skilled warrior.
It is fitting. You alone have the greatest ... in the south.
Much has changed.
My men...and Cricsus now the champion of Capua...
...raises the house of Bartiotus to new heights.
I have interest to hear more of your new champion.
I may have use of such a man in my games.
Cricsus on the tongues of every mortal.
Even here....
He is truly a legend of the arena.
Yes father.
He is quite the talk of Capua.
?
Apologies.
My daughter speaks of things beyond her knowledge.
Gossip and jewelry are more of her station.
She speaks like her father with confidence and words of truth.
Cricsus is the finest of all gladiators.
He is truly...a god among men.
Then we have much to discuss.
For I have use of his skills in my primus.
I make plans as we speak.
Primus?
Gratitude!
Cricsus would indeed be a perfect addition.
And Capua would be honored.
...to host such a spectacle.
You must come to my house magistrate.
Sadly, business would see our fine magistrate bound to this city for many months to come.
I would be happy to attend in my father's place.
To examine the gladiators of which you speak.
Anutus!
...is no place for my daughter!
Strike it from mind!
Magistrate if I may offer a word.
Agreed the arena is no place for a woman of your daughter's standing.
But should your presence be difficult....
There will always be a safe and welcoming place for your daughter under my watchful eye.
Gratitude Bartiotus.
I will give it thought.
Now Decimus, what fine delights do you have left to entertain the crowd?
I've saved the best till last!
Something of note...
A Thracian slave.
A deserter.
He is to fight three of my best men.
A common slave. He is no match for your gladiators.
...unbalanced at best.
This may be over before it has begun.
An execution would be more fitting for this dog!
I would see the gods pleased...
...with his unwilling blood fall upon the sands of the provocateur...
....
Indeed they would.
But should the gods favor the deserter and victory be his...?
Then I would see him crucified for his defiance!
Perhaps I can offer a suggestion to put coin in hand should this execution not go to plan.
Cricsus!
Domina requests your presence.
[laughing]
Quiet yourself!
The gods favor you, Cricsus.
As does Domina.
I do what is expected of me.
As do you.
And you do it so well.
Yet you mock me?!
To what end!
I ... to keep favor.
Not because I wished to....
You are what I desire.
You speak of desire!
Is it not blood upon the sand you seek?
...on words need not be spoken.
Domina awaits.
Clean yourself up.
What makes him so special?
That is Cricsus.
Champion of Capua.
Mind your tongue.
Cricsus
...the champion.
...bludgeoned.
Come closer.
Yes Domina.
You trained well today.
A fine example of the house of Bartiotus.
Did you enjoy the reward I sent you?
Yes, Domina.
Was her cunt... ...pleasing?
Yes, Domina.
But I ask no reward.
Just the glory of battle is all I seek.
That is why you are such the champion.
But I feel...
...something of a higher standing is required for my fine gladiator.
My husband travels as we speak.
...to procure gladiators from Sicilia.
Still....our fine house is...weak in numbers.
The expectation would see him back by sunrise.
My husband arrives in good time.
I was to enjoy some honey wine.
...without good company.
No longer.
We shall drink together.
As I give tale of my journey.
I trust my absence was not too taxing?
I found distraction.
As would I.
Let me sit so I may speak of the ... I have procured.
I see such excitement in your eyes. What fires such emotion?
I witness a match. On balance without measure.
A champion such as Cricsus may not have fared so well in Ethrasian's place.
And yet...without training all nourishment...
...the slave triumphs...
This man....has he a name?
...none of which I would speak.
But I name him Spartacus. He is being readied.
He would join the others in the training arena.
You sent for me Dominus.
Yes.
The Thracian. I would have you test him.
See if the victory I have witnessed in Sicilia was by chance...
...or do the gods truly favor him.
Yes, Dominus.
Shields as a weapon!
I hear you defeated 3 men in Sicilia?
Your name?
You ask many questions.
Save your breath. You may need it.
Gods of the arena!
I bring news.
I search for men worthy of standing upon the very sand!
...and to bear the mark of the brotherhood.
Brings me two recruits.
Welcome them as brothers.
But fight them as enemies.
Bartiotus! Bartiotus! Bartiotus!
...for it is our strength which brings for victory.
Spartacus! Viro! Step forth.
Spartacus!
You shall train with me.
That I may gauge your true worth.
You shall watch.
Learn from the mistakes of this slave.
I suspect his victory in the arena was...
...shallow at best.
Fight with your hand or find it separated from your body.
[laughing]
Always stay balanced.
Never extend beyond your reach.
Press and attack!
Look for your opponents weakness!
As I have found many in you.
Stay down Thracian...
...for the sand upon which you kneel is for gladiators not slaves!
Your all slaves here!
Choose your words wisely, Thracian.
For the next time you speak in my presence, I will crack your head open upon the sand...
...and send you to afterlife!
Cricsus! Return to training!
I've been worried.
Senator Marcus Claudius arrives tomorrow with the legatos as the sun sets.
Good. Then we must ... entertain him with the best we have to offer.
He brings with the him the daughter of Senator Cornelius Octavius.
Octavius?
It seems my invitation bears fruit.
...for the primus.
The magistrate's daughter, Lithia, in our favor....
...appointment to the games could be ours.
I'm told she has a fascination for flesh and blood.
Then we must offer the same diversion we offer Marcus.
...gladiators so she may sample the pleasures within these walls.
I will see it done.
After I see your cock in her.
Gaia!
This is a surprise! What brings you to Capua?
Your darling wife requested my presence.
Yes. Warm your cock inside of her...so I may later taste your semen.
Escape from this place is not possible.
Only through death or victory in battle.
Stay alive. Win your freedom!
Then I'll become champion.
Not for the glory.
But for freedom.
I made my wife a promise. I will see her again.
Welcome to our humble home.
Apologies,...Senator Legatus.
I have pressing business.
I feel sure my wife has extended to you, every courtesy?
Please come!
Enjoy the pleasures of the wine and flesh.
I hear the man you call, Spartacus...
...still draws breath.
Hades itself has yet to call upon him.
But....should ...he be granted a place in the games....
...let's see him face a worthy challenger.
The gods themselves will not be able to save him.
I shall....into the game, my friend.
So I may see the stranger's head removed from his body.
Gratitude.
Please.
Adorn such attire.
Indulge one's body and mind...
...freeing it from the reality no longer required within these walls.
...for now, you, are to be gods!
And these!...your slaves...
...a woman of my standing...
...as I...fast not for a woman's touch.
....Come...
Gladiators!
Dear Olympia, For your delight, I give you the finest cocks every assembled.
Your choice is...but a whisper away...
Fetch the Gladiators!
Choice were mine...I would lie with Viera
Gaze I upon the mighty flesh of...Scapula!
Cricsus.
Vero....
...and Spartacus...
They do seem a little overdressed.
Remove your...
You hold in your hand a legend.
The champion of Capua.
A fine specimen indeed!
Although my eye and cunt...
...yearn for something of a different flavor.
This one perhaps.
Let him prove his worth to me.
A task I am sure he will attend.
With all his strength and skill. Spartacus!
You will please her in any way she wishes.
Or I will see you to the mines. Understood?
Yes, mam.
Gladiators!
Enjoy.
Your body is like that of a statue of Mars, himself.
Smooth...
Hard...
Will it feel like the gods themselves were inside me?
Will it slave?!
I see defiance in those eyes.
Does it have to be beaten out of you?
Then show me your anger!
Give it to me!
Take me!
As you would...your woman.
Or were you not enough for your woman?
I know a hundred Roman cocks...
Fuck me like you would your woman!
Give it to me!
Yes, give it to me! Fuck me!
Fuck me, slave!
Good.
Your champion, Cricsus...
...have him stand before me.
Cricsus! Come!
the good Senator wishes to have a private audience.
The Champion of Capua is yours to command.
Impressive!
He is indeed, magnificent!
I would have him for my own if I were not so...
...drained from my long journey.
I've heard tell of his skills with a sword.
Perhaps....
...we should have a demonstration of his other talents!
Yes.
I would have him fuck...
...this one.
Apologies Senator, but...
...Malena is my personal handmaiden.
She...Would be most pleased....
...to fulfill your request.
Excellent!
See if he is as much a lover...
...as he's a fighter.
Cricsus...
The senator wishes for a display.
Senator.
Oh come on man, fuck her!
Attend your master!
Gladiators!
This day brings forth new beginnings for the house of Bartiotus.
I received word...
...from Senator Marcus Claudius.
The Magistrate of Tabius..
...has chosen to hold these finalists within...
...these very walls.
[cheers]
He has blessed us with match that would shake even the gods!
The legend...unbeaten by man...
...feared by all...
...marked by reputation as the shadow of death.
Has returned to the arena...
...for one last match.
Androcules.
Will face 2 gladiators.
A glorious death.
...or freedom!
Awaits you...who triumphs today.
[cheers]
Our business...have offered coin for me to fight in the pits.
Are you mad!
First you agree to a match that cannot be won!
And now you wish to send Nor to the pits?
I entertain...not without purpose!
The trial has been taking much of our water!
Without coin this house would fall to waste!
Would you see it so?
And to what cost to us?!
No champion of fewer men than we posess already?
We came with blood as it always has been.
That is our sacrifice!
Scapria! Marco! Fight!
Scapula! Brin!
Xerodus! Quin!
Spartacus wins!
Apologies.
We must speak.
What do you want?
You have grievance against me.
That much is clear.
If we are to beat the shadow of death, we must fight as one.
I will beat him without you!
The stench of your fear is like shit from ass!
What if you can't?
Champion or not!
Then...
I will die a glorious death!
...And you will be but dust upon the sand on which I piss!
I exist just to hold my wife in my hands once more.
And if you will not fight with me...
...then you too are my enemy!
For "The Shadow of Death'' is not the only challenge I face.
Cricsus!
Dominus requests your presence.
Cricsus I have use of you.
Yes, Dominus.
It seems Arthenius is vexed with the news of the primus being held at the house of Bartiotius.
Tonight he makes offer to purchase you and makes threat upon my answer.
See to it that his unrest and offer...are painfully declined.
Yes, Dominus.
Go. See it done.
Dominus, your guest has arrived.
See her to my chambers.
It has been a long time since I've called upon you.
Twenty years is but a day for an immortal.
This is the giant known as "The Shadow of Death".
Play with him.
Take what strength you can.
[coins dropping]
Does the sum displease you?
I will do this.
Your man will survive.
You will gain position.
You'll have the Senate's ear.
And I'll call upon you to do my bidding when you return.
Agreed.
Does my tongue please you?
Apologies. Forgive the lengthy delay.
Pressing business of a time sensitive nature had to be addressed.
It is of concern? No longer.
I have remedies soon to be administered.
Well, I am not without worry.
What of Alumnus?
Should Cricsus be slain by Androcules we will be without champion.
Cricsus is the best!
A legend!
He fights for glory.
Spartacus.
He fights for a wife he may never see again.
I feel he will not die until they have been reunited...
...A promise I have whispered upon his ear.
Then I pray the gods smile upon them...
...and cast light upon "The Shadow of Death" that now stalks them both.
Why do you smile so?
With little to lay cheer upon.
Strength and skill is a powerful force.
But thought and cunning...
...can lay waste to the strongest of all men.
So you have knowledge of what tomorrow may bring.
Androcules will be visited by a vision...
...a woman unlike no other...
...no man, nor beast can resist once they gaze eye upon her.
His flesh will weaken upon her touch.
And the odds of tomorrow...
...shall change.
Amelia...
Why have you come? You know it's forbidden.
You fight tomorrow in the arena.
Should you fall, my life will mean nothing.
This is to be our only time together.
That I'd see it so.
I have the key.
Bartiotus has a message.
He regrets that his hand is not upon this knife.
That now sends you to ... [uhh]
What is it you seek?
Great Warrior...
I come as a show of gratitude from the Senator.
I offer my body...
...to a legend of the arena.
As a free man you may return to the crowd's roar and to the clash of steel.
No man has stood before me as an equal.
Yet I long for the glorious death.
Yet it escapes me still.
I wish not to wither and die.
But to feel the cold hard steel tear through my flesh...
...as the crowd roars and the sun beats down upon my face.
...for the last time.
A death befitting a champion such as you.
Now accept my body....
...and may the gods grant you what you seek.
My friend...
...we've little time in this world.
...and I ask nothing of no man...
...but I ask this of you...
...Should I not return?
Will you watch over Navia as best you can?
Brother... you will return.
Should the gods grant your glorious death....
...you can gain comfort in the knowledge...
...I will keep your woman safe.
Spartacus.
Ready yourself.
This is how you will leave this world.
Live long.
Die well.
And now a match to bear the blood...
Vera against Scapula.
Two of my finest gladiators.
A fight to the death!
A cross I bear just to...raise the crowd.
In honor of you, Magistrate.
Gratitude!
Your men are well received.
And the spectacle is much anticipated by us all.
You are us.
People of Capua!
I bring you a taste of flesh and blood!
In the form of Mano et Mano.
Behold!
Vero!
And challenging him....
...also from the house of Bartiotus...
...for your pleasure...
...I give to you...
....Scapula!
[crowd roars]
For this is how you leave this world
...I see it only fitting that you give the command.
Well then...
Let me die by my own sword.
Give this to Spartacus.
Sorry brother.
Did you enjoy Spartacus?
He was most pleasing.
At last...
....This painful match ends.
And now for something of merit.
He wanted you to have this.
They say he is not of this world.
Some say...he's the offspring of hades himself.
A demigod.
Does he bleed?
He has been cut deep before.
But still he stood and fought.
Then he did not bleed enough.
We will see the sand drenched in his blood!
Do you have a plan?
Yes.
Stay alive.
Remember...
Press and move.
Fight as one!
Succeed where others have failed.
and may the gods see victory for you both!
I give to you, Cricsus!
The mighty champion of Capua!
Cricsus! Cricsus! Cricsus!
Fighting by his side...
Spartacus!
...the cheater of death!
Now feast eye on the ultimate warrior!
A man never defeated...
...feared by all men...
...and today facing not one...
...but two challengers.
Behold! The Shadow of Death!
Androcules!
Begin!
[Swords clash. Fighting sounds.]
Cricsus! Cricsus! Cricsus!
Spartacus!
Cricsus!
You are what I desire!
You speak of desire...
...is it not blood upon the sand you seek?
Apologies Senator. My excitement is only for the victory.
As it should be. An excellent showing.
May I suggest you just gesture to the crowd to end the event.
Freedom for the victor perhaps?
You mean, Spartacus?
No man is more deserving.
The crowd would see it so.
You wish to please the crowd?
[crowd: Spartacus, Spartacus, Spartacus!]
Yes! I will see it done.
Good citizens!
Today you saw a mighty legend fall...
...and another emerge...
...with thanks...
I, Bartiotus, honor Capua's new champion...
...with the ultimate gift.
Freedom!
[Crowd: Spartacus! Spartacus!...]
This is the rudus...
...it signifies a slave who has won his freedom.
And the highest honor...
...bestowed upon a gladiator.
May the gods smile upon you.
Gratitude.
What news? Is there any of my wife?
I made you a promise...
Sir...
I feared I would never see you again.
I promised we'd be together.
And as a free man nothing will keep us apart.
Nothing.
Spartacus!
Travel as the sun rises...
Take shelter tonight.
I have a ready place for you both.
Gratitude.